Traditional Laptop Versus Lightweight Notebook - 8 Factors to Consider

There are of course many models of laptopprocessor and enough extras to make it truly a good
computer on the market, from tiny ultra-portablereplacement for a traditional desktop or laptop
notebooks that weigh only a couple of pounds tocomputer.
large, sturdy (and very heavy) models equipped withFactor #3 - Processor Speed
17″ screens, full size keyboards and more.Lightweight notebooks are often far less costly than
With so many choices it can be hard to know whattraditional laptops, and one of the ways
to look for and just as hard to find the notebook ormanufacturers cut the cost is by skimping on the
laptop that truly represents good value for themodel and speed of the processor. The CPU is the
money.heart of any laptop, no matter what its size, so be
If you have been trying to decide between a full sizesure to look for an ultra-portable laptop with a solid
laptop and one of those ultra-lightweight notebooksprocessor built in.
you are certainly not alone. Many computer users areFactor #4 - The Amount of Memory
struck by the incredible lightness of these newThe amount of memory is one of the best
portable notebooks, and they may be wondering ifdeterminants of how fast the notebook will run, so
these notebooks can really replace larger and bulkierdon't skimp on RAM. The good news is that many of
machines. These ultra-lightweight notebooks arethe most popular ultra-portables on the market boast
certainly much easier to carry around than those fulla good amount of memory - often 4GB or more.
size laptops - indeed most models weigh in at only aBoosting the amount of installed memory is one of
couple of pounds. This light weight makes them easythe best ways to boost the performance and
to carry from place to place - certainly a boon tousefulness of your lightweight notebook.
road warriors and busy workers on the go.Factor #5 - Screen Size
But before you take the plunge it is important toOne of the things that makes ultra-portable laptops
consider a number of factors. These ultra-portableso lightweight and easy to carry is the size of the
machines are a great choice for many users, butscreen. When shopping for this class of laptop you
they may not be the solution for every user. Inwill typically be looking at screen sizes between
order to determine if an ultra-portable notebook is7″ and 12″. These differences in screen
right for you it is important to consider a number ofsize can be significant, and it is a good idea to look at
factors.a few models in person to ensure the screen will be
Factor #1 - Your Computing Lifestyleuseful for you.
One of the most important factors to consider isFactor #6 - Keyboard Size
whether or not you really need such a lightweightThe size of the keyboard is yet another factor with
notebook. Those tiny laptops are certainly sleek andthis class of notebook, so again it is a good idea to
attractive, but do they fit well with the way youactually lay your hands on the computer. Go to the
work? If you do most of your computing in yourstore and type on the keyboard - does the
office or your home you probably will not see manykeyboard feel comfortable and easy to use? The
of the benefits of an ultra-portable notebook, andgood news here is that even some of the smallest
you may be better off with a full size laptop thatultra-portables have surprisingly large and easy to use
boasts a large screen and easy to use keyboard.keyboards.
If on the other hand you are a busy executive onFactor #7 - Optical Drive (or Lack Thereof)
the go who needs constant access to email andMany people are surprised to find that many
other applications a super lightweight laptop may beultra-portable notebooks do not come with a built-in
just what the doctor ordered. These notebooksDVD drive, so it is important to look for this feature
were created with the needs of the traveler in mind,as you shop. One of the great things about buying a
and ultra-portable notebooks are the perfect choicesmall and compact notebook computer is that it can
for road warriors and others who travel frequently.serve as both computer and portable DVD player. If
These handy machines can offer many of thethe ability to play your favorite movies while on the
benefits of a web-enabled cell phone, includinggo is important to you be sure to look for an
internet surfing, email access, calendar applicationsultra-portable with a built-in DVD drive.
and more in a package that weighs only a fewFactor #8 - USB Slots and External Connections
pounds.We all know how useful those little USB thumb drives
Factor #2 - Cost vs. Capabilitycan be, but some lightweight notebooks provide only
In addition to their size there is another verya few - or none at all. It is important for computer
attractive feature of many lightweight laptops -shoppers to look at the external connections on the
namely their very low prices. With a bit of shoppingnotebooks they are considering - not only USB slots
around it is possible to find these ultra-lightweightbut connections for external monitors, docking
notebooks on sale for only a few hundred dollars,stations and more.
making them as affordable as they are useful.By considering these factors you will be better able
Of course that low cost can come with a price tagto determine if one of these super sleek and super
of its own, so it is important to shop around carefully.lightweight notebooks is the right choice for you.
The specs of these lightweight laptops canBuying a new computer is a major purchase, and it is
themselves be a bit light at times, so it is importantimportant to give this purchase the care and
to choose a machine with plenty of memory, a solidconsideration it deserves.